High on Gaudi!

Barcelonaś always been my no.1 destination. It seems kinda funny how my current job has brought me to this side of the world.

Barca- synonymous with architecture, culture. and most importantly Gaudi! but its definitely not ´business' related.

Been in London for training over the past month. After it ended decided to visit Barcelona and Paris. Was at Mies van der Rohe pavilion yesterday up at Montjuic. Just sitting there on the stone floors looking at stuff i'd only seen from books is an amazing experience.

Have been here for almost a week, met alot of interesting people at hostel etc. We also managed to meetup with the indonesians which was great. Makes the world seem so small sometimes. The weather has been horribly hot and humid but I guess the great amounts of sunlight during summer is the plus side. Admission fares for everything is higher during summer (everywhere charges admission fees! in contrast to london where almost all the museums are FOC).

My checklist is almost all ticked off - La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Park Guell, beach, Montserrat, MNAC, Camp Nou.. More to come on last day tomorrow - MACBA, Picasso museum and beach again! on an aside, i·ve had enough paella to last me a long long time..

next stop - Paris!

Off again

Heading to the UK in a few hours time. One month there for training @ London then off we go!

Planning to visit 2 cities - Barcelona & Paris. The former has been my number one destination for ages. Besides the everpresent Gaudi, there's lots more to see. I'm going to be visiting a communications tower and a brand new office building Torre Agbar.. is it kitsch or slick? we shall see.

Paris will be for the museums (Louvre!! Rodin!! the Impressionists!!), Versailles, Giverny and the french life. Well, a week is far better than none.

Now I must stop. Haven't packed. Work life has not been so 'balanced', haven't caught any sleep for the past 3 nights due to attempt to clear the work, albeit thoroughly unsuccessful.

From 24/33 to 10/23

KL : 24 - 33C
Melbourne : 10 -23C

I'm going back!

For a holiday, that is. Leaving this Fri night, arriving on Sat morning. We are having only one week break but its fantabulous!!

I can't wait to go back and enjoy the fresh air, cold crisp air, coffee, korean/HK/viet food, the Gardens, gallery and of course the friends!

They told me a Taiwanese opened a karaoke at Melb Central. I wonder, if there is time, we shall def go to see what its like in Melb. My colleague just asked me for our usual session at Nuway @ Puchong. Unfortunately they planned for Fri which is out.

Was at a senior colleague's farewell tonight. Its a wonder how we keep sane. Its been a long long time since I left work while the sky is still bright. Changes happen all the time. Who knows, by this time next year, one'll be at a totally different location, doing something totally different..?

Tomorrow shall be on a much needed leave. There's the Japanese test at night and I totally haven't studied. My 'sensei' is wonderful and I've made some great friends. Really hope to pass and it seems the centre is quite sure too, cos they've called up to inform on rates for the next level already, when I haven't even passed this.

If all goes well, will move on to intermediate. The best things from the course so far:
- meeting the mates
- learning this phrase - "biru o nomimassho ka" which means "lets go for a beer!"

I'm contemplating on bringing some work to do at night in Melb. After all, in commercial banking sales, the credits still need to be proposed. Just because you are on leave doesn't mean the customers' lives stop revolving.

Can't wait!!!

On the road

Road trip!

"You look more alive", commented 'the Friend' on Monday. One day later, 'the Friend' commented - "you've lost most of the glow". By Thursday we were dead on our feet. Demotivated and demoralised.

The break was good, too bad it just didn't last.

Travelled more than 1300km across from KK to Miri (return). They managed to collect a record 20 stamps on their passports! I only managed a paltry 8 due to my 'status' in that land.

Out of Sabah, in to Sarawak (Lawas)

Out of Sarawak to Brunei (Labu)

Out of Brunei to Sarawak again (Limbang)

Out of Sarawak to Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan)

Out of Brunei to Miri.

Thats already 10 border stops one way. whew.. Wikitravel was very useful. We used this itinerary. The waits for the ferry weren't long at all, perhaps due to it being non-peak season.

We made it from KK to Miri in 1 day - 12 hours (including numerous stops for food). The next day drove to Niah (about 1 1/2 hours away) for some walk-about in the jungle. The caves are a little surreal, no time to sort the pics yet. Here's a teaser, probably the best shot of the trip. The flora in the caves practically glowed in the darkness..

Escapism

I'm off to Sabah in a few hours time. KL is tired of me.

Looking forward to 5/6 days of unplanned activity, they've mentioned driving to Miri/Brunei and Niah made a brief appearance during the conversation today.. Jungles are even better. Too bad flights to Bario were all full else that'd be interesting and prob even more 'ulu'.

It'll be good to take a leave from work. Positiveness can only bring you so far.